UA News

The Wildcats look for a second win this season against rival ASU on Sunday.

The University of Arizona men's basketball team looks for a way to get back on track this Sunday afternoon when they face rival Arizona State University as they close out a three-game stay at McKale Center.

This marks the 218th time the two teams have met in what is now known as the State Farm Territorial Cup Series. The Wildcats, (13-12 and 7-6, Pac-10), are looking for their tenth win at home as well as the second against the Sun Devils this season. UA head coach Sean Miller is also looking for his third win against his former mentor, Herb Sendek.

UA is tied for fourth in the Pac-10 and still searching for some consistency. Last Saturday, the Oregon State Beavers broke their 27-year hex inside McKale, beating the Cats 63-55 despite a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double from Jamelle Horne. Freshman Kevin Parrom finished with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists against OSU.

The Sun Devils are a different story. ASU is 18-8 overall second in the Pac at 8-5, a game ahead of the Cats and one behind the league-leading California Golden Bears. ASU has been all about defense this season. Their opponents average 58.1 points per game.

Three Sun Devils average in double figures, led by Rihards Kuksiks and Ty Abbott, who both average nearly 12 points per game. Eric Boateng leads ASU with a 6.8 rebounds per game average.

The Territorial Cup dates back to 1914 with Arizona holding a 139-78 series advantage, including 25 of the last 31 meetings and a 77-58 decision last month in Tempe.

The Cats used a balanced offensive attack and a smothering defensive effort in the win at Wells Fargo Arena. Arizona limited ASU to just 30.2 percent shooting and posted a 36-32 rebound advantage in handing the Devils its worst loss of the season.  Kyle Fogg's 21 points led three other Wildcats in double figures.

Next week Arizona goes to the Bay Area starting Thursday, Feb. 25, at California.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time and can seen nationally on ESPN.